An application for permission to build a new section of rail that will allow European-style Tram Trains to run between Britain’s rail and tram network for the first time has been submitted to the Secretary of State for Transport.
The joint application from Network Rail and South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) is for a Transport and Works Act Order to construct the new 160m section of railway which will allow tram train services to run between Sheffield and Rotherham
Andrew Penny, area director for Network Rail, said: “This is an exciting stage of the project as we apply for permission to link the tram and rail network and turn years of meticulous planning into Britain’s first operational Tram Train service.”
Anyone can comment on the application up to 28 April 2015.
The project will provide a direct service between Sheffield city centre, Rotherham Central train station and Parkgate retail park. It will use the existing Supertram route between Cathedral and Meadowhall South and then move onto the rail network via the new track (known as a “chord”) to Parkgate.
The chord will need:
- 160 metres of new track with associated ground work
- Overhead line equipment to carry the power to the Tram Trains
- Lineside equipment including a small new building to house electrical equipment.
Dependent upon the TWAO process and decision, work to construct the chord is expected to complete by the end of 2016.
The partners in the Tram Train project are Network Rail, Department for Transport, Northern Rail, South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive and Stagecoach Supertram.
Source:- Network Rail
